Ratiocinate – Wordplay Wednesday™ 03/07/18

What Were You Thinking?

How many times as a youngster was that screamed at you by an adult? Oh, you were already an adult? And after much in-depth consideration you did it / said it / wrote it purposely anyway?

It’s unfortunate. Rational thoughts are subjective. What I think is rational, you may decide is idiotic. (I’ve been told that more than a few times!)

This week’s willful word ambiguously expects you to …

RATIOCINATE (rashʹ ē äsʹɘ nātʹ) vi. – to think or argue logically, reason; n. ratiocination; adj. ratiocinative. [WW #154]

According to whose ratiocination? Our minds are not only complex, they’re dangerous. Beyond the mundane, we can individually justify anything—and as represented in the skewed news media, often do—no matter how heinous the act (in the minds of the majority).

Sigh. We are, after all, just stupid humans. We didn’t pop out with a training manual in hand.

The Ten Commandments* are as close as we’re gonna get to a set of social standards that apply to humanity, in general. Regardless of your religion, the Big Ten spell out the best earthly guidance we have, to ratiocinate through our daily lives.

Although there are several versions in diverse faiths, here’s a general reminder of the iconic moral imperatives, with public behavior-related directives bolded:

1. I am the LORD thy God. You shall have no other gods before me
2. No other graven images or likenesses
3. Not take the LORD's name in vain
4. Remember the sabbath day
5. Honour thy father and thy mother
6. Thou shalt not kill
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery
8. Thou shalt not steal
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness
10. Thou shalt not covet

We don’t come with a guarantee to “behave” and each of us ratiocinates to a different drum beat regarding behavior. Nor sadly, is RESPECT built into us, for all other humans in whatever form they were given, as having a right to be here, too. (Remember, NONE of us “asked” to be born.)

We have a responsibility as humans, to ratiocinate to the best of our individual abilities. LIFE—yours and mine—is precious. When we ignore that, we become less than human.

Word Challenge: RATIOCINATE. Well before our teens, we learn basic right from wrong. If we keep that in mind, and add a healthy dose of respect, our minds will form a ratiocinative foundation. Pop that into your peace pipe and smoke it, as you as you fit ratiocinate into your week of thoughtful writings.

Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle) 

'Til next time ... CHEERS to a wonderful "wordful" week … 

                       

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

Facebook

* The 1956 movie starring Charlton Heston is by far the best way to learn about The Ten Commandments.

LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books (of three) in her Blast from Your Past series, available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon, … The Psychedelic Seventies!

E-N-D

Wordplay Wednesday™ February 08, 2017 – Excuse Reason

2-fer Wordplay! No Apologies … 

Every now and then it’s good to step away from the norm and explore where few men and women dare to go … the subtleties of the English language.

It’s happened to the best of us—and of late, the worst. Confronted with criticism or need of defense (think negative viral Twitter rants), we stammer apologetically or backtrack hypocritically. These days, rarely do we “own” our statements.

 

This points to a seldom explored problem of our language. Too many times we speak without thinking (again, Twitter), or knowing, the vital difference between two similar words. One can be weak and defensive, the other strong and decisive. Shouldn’t you know the dissimilarity?

When confronted, do you make an …

EXCUSE: (ek skyōōsʹ) n. – 1) a plea in defense of or explanation for some action or behavior, [i.e.] apology; 2) a release from obligation, duty, etc.; 3) something that excuses …; 4) a pretended reason for conduct, [i.e.] pretext … well, you get the idea! [2-fer WW #98; bolding and underline are mine.]

OR offer a logical … 

REASON: (rēʹzɘn) n. – 1) an explanation or justification of an act, idea, etc.; 2) a cause or motive; 3) the ability to think, form judgments, draw conclusions, etc.; 4) sound thought or judgment, [i.e.] good sense; 5) normal mental powers, [i.e.] a sound mind, sanity … wow. [2-fer WW #98.]

While often used interchangeably to clarify a comment or action, according to Webster, these are two very different words. One is a pathetic pretense, the other is resolute in its logic and strength.

Many of you who think you have a reason, are truly offering only an excuse. Others are told to quit giving lame excuses, when they actually have a valid reason.

Perhaps it’s in the delivery. Have you thought of that?  

If your voice raises an octave or two in response (and yes, oddly enough that can also be detected on Twitter), and sounds like it’s pinched between two four-hundred-pound weights, even if you have a valid reason, it will be perceived as a whiny excuse.

Consider carefully, the subtle differences between an excuse and a reason—which one best expresses the method to your madness? Or, is silence truly golden and no explanation is better than an excuse?

That leaves your reason in the hands—and minds—of others. If you don’t speak, others will squeak for you. (Yes, I meant “squeak.” It will be their whiny excuse offered in place of your possible good reason.)

We all know the adage “think before you speak”* (or act). Oh, so much easier said than done! Alternatively, know that what you’re saying could be misconstrued and be ready with your reason for saying it—a well thought out and logical motive. (Well, it is in your mind anyway. J)

The best defense of word or action is confidence in your reasons. Give them credence and validity, with a firm, calm voice and viable justification.

Want to be taken seriously in your job, relationship, or dreams? Provide a substantial reason, not an erratic excuse.

Word Challenge: EXCUSE or REASON? You’ll enjoy life more without excuses, when you own your reasons. Have fun applying these very different words to your week of inexcusable writings.

'Til next time ... enjoy a wonderful "wordful" week …

                       

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

Facebook

*This is an especially poignant comment on bullying and not thinking before speaking; an article by Jill Tomac, “Think Before You Speak: 5 Ways to Help You Choose Your Words Wisely,” on Maria Shriver’s website, Igniting Architects of Change.

# # #